Clarksville, Ark.-Sophomore midfielder Brandon VanCleave nailed the game-winning goal in the 94th minute to secure a 2-1 win over Texas Lutheran University on Sunday in American Southwest Conference play.
Ozarks (14-4-0, 9-2-0) moves into first place in the ASC with the 27 points, one point ahead of UT-Dallas, with two games remaining. Ozarks will travel to Longview, Texas, to face LeTourneau on October 26 and Marshall, Texas, to face East Texas Baptist on October 27.
The Eagles trailed 1-0 at the half when Ben Higgs scored in the 11th minute, but Dylan Evans energized the Eagles with a goal in the 71st minute. Evans received the ball from Darren Clark, quickly made a turn and ripped a shot from 10 yards out. It was his fifth goal of the season. It was then time for VanCleave’s heroics in overtime. The Collierville, Tenn. native, who nailed the overtime game-winning goal against Hardin-Simmons earlier in the season, sent a large Ozarks crowd into a frenzy when he sent a header past the keeper. VanCleave’s goal was set up by a perfect pass from Brandon Cain. It was VanCleave’s sixth goal of the season and third game-winner of the year.
Ozarks had 17 shots in the match, while holding Texas Lutheran (5-8-3, 5-4-2) to eight.
Brian Sarber had four saves.
Topics: Athletics